Ingredient: Almond Butter

If your almond butter needs stirring, you’ve probably chosen a good one! The layer of oil on top is not a problem; it is actually a sign you’ve bought the good stuff, without palm oil or stabilisers padding things out. Give it a stir, and you’re rewarded with one of the most useful things in your larder.

Almond butter is particularly rich in magnesium, which helps to keep your energy levels steady and your muscles happy, and the natural fats help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. It is also one of the nut butters with the highest calcium content. Almonds are one of the lower-histamine nuts, which often make them better tolerated by sneezy, itchy folk.

If you fancy making your own, almond butter is easy enough with a decent food processor, which should save you some pennies – whizz the almonds up for at least 10 minutes for creamy nut butter.

Almond butter is a staple in our home, and I use it in overnight oats and dip apple slices in it. I blend it into smoothies and slather it on toast.